Shillong Peak Ropeway Project coming up at a cost of Rs 138 crores

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJanuary 16, 2023

The Meghalaya Tourism Department has proposes an alternative route to Shillong Viewpoint, East Khasi Hills through construction of a Ropeway from Shillong Viewpoint (Upper terminal) to Forest Nursery Riat Laban (Lower terminal).

The Ropeway is the first of its kind in the State of Meghalaya. It will be set up on 1.34 Hectares land, comes at an estimated cost of Rs 138.00 Crores.

The Project comprises of: (i) Lower Terminal Point (LTP), has been proposed in existing Forest Nursery Rait Laban area to be built on 11146.96 sq. m at an altitude of 838 m above MSL.

It will accommodate Station Building, Concourse, Maintenance Room, and Ticket Room cum Office, Store Room, Security Room, Waiting Area, Public Convenience and Parking Area.

(ii) Upper Terminal Point (UTP) has been proposed on a community land to be built on an area of 2025 sq. m at an altitude of 1633 m above MSL and will be accommodating Station Building, Concourse, Ticket Room cum Office, Maintenance Room, Waiting Area, Food Court, Public Convenience and Cabin Parking.

Other than these Terminal Points, there will be 9 Towers built on an area of 251.17 sq.m.

Ropeways are Monocable Detachable System having fully enclosed Gondola with automatic doors.

The Ropeway Alignment will be single section and tourists coming to Shillong Peak Viewpoint can enjoy a magnificent panoramic view of Shillong Town and the entire pristine beauty of nature from the ropeway alignment.

Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma presided over the ‘Land-Handing Over’ ceremony at the picturesque Shillong Peak, East Khasi Hills on Monday kick-starting the dream project

Speaking on the occasion, Sangma said, Tourism is one of the key sectors of the state contributing significantly to the economy and it boosts rural entrepreneurship.

“We launched Homestay scheme under which 2500 homestays are being built across the state. We are providing training in hospitality to these entrepreneurs for capacity building,” he said.

Other initiatives include inauguration of five-star hotels and launching of luxury vehicle scheme, he added.

He also said these are creating thousands of new job opportunities in the rural and urban areas and making Meghalaya a truly premium tourist destination.